Windshield fogging creates a mess while driving in cold weather—it does not matter if you drive an advanced car like the Tesla. Not only is it irritating, but it can also pose the driver and passengers with a significant risk of crashing. Luckily, there exist several ways you can remove this haziness. But can you avoid it in the first place?
You can prevent the Tesla windshield from fogging up by using the defogging system when the temperatures outside are too cold, treating the glass with hydrophobic agents, and keeping the interior dry.
How to Keep Tesla Windshield From Fogging Up?
1. Use the Defogging System
The defogging system is designed to eliminate water vapors on the windshield by throwing warm air. But you can also use it preventively to keep the windshield from fogging up in the first place. All you need to do is to access the defogger/defroster button in the Climate Control menu. Here are the simple steps to follow:
- Open the climate settings by touching the temperature at the bottom of your Tesla’s screen.
- You will see the Windshield Defogger Button on the new menu. It will have the icon of the windshield with airwaves passing over it. Press it once, and the icon will turn blue, indicating that the front defogger has turned on.
- By default, the defogger settings are set at automatic. It means that Teslas adjust the fan speed and the temperature of the air coming from the front vents on their own, depending upon the climatic conditions. But you can change it anytime by touching the temperature and fan speed buttons.
- You can also defog your Tesla’s windshield remotely using the Tesla App. Simply navigate to Climate and hit the Defrost button.
This method works by heating the water vapors on the windscreen to the point that they break. If you think that the climatic conditions are likely to form fog on your windshield, you can turn on the defogging in advance so that it evaporates any water molecule as soon as it deposits. However, note that it is a slow process and takes considerable battery charging. Generally, it takes 10 minutes to defog the windshield.
2. Apply an Anti-Fog Spray
Antifog sprays help keep fog formation at bay by making the windscreen hydrophobic. Applying a suitable product beforehand when the temperatures are ripe for water condensation on the windscreen will prevent fogging. The treatment works by minimizing surface tension on the glass, forming a non-scattering film of glass instead of individual drops.
Generally, the anti-fog sprays in the market deliver promising results, provided you do not compromise on the quality. Moreover, you need to be sure you are purchasing the right product: such products differ based on the season. If it is winter, you need an anti-fog spray applied from the inside; when it is summer, you need one applied from the outside.
3. Go for Home Remedies
Certain household items can work similarly to anti-fog sprays. Apply them on the windshield, and you will prevent water vapor formation on it. A commonly used trick—the shaving cream method—is a bit old-school but delivers good results. Spray some shaving cream on the glass and rub it gently with a clean towel until the screen becomes clear again, and you are done. Similarly, potatoes’ starch and sugar content is also known to provide promising results. Cut a potato in half and rub the exposed part on the windshield for some time. Wipe any excess potato juice with a clean piece of cloth.
4. Avoid Getting the Interior Humid
By maintaining the climate condition inside your Tesla, you can avoid getting the windshield too cold to make it too appealing for water vapors. These are several tricks you can use:
- Open the Windows Slightly: This will ensure that fresh and drier air keeps circulating through the cabin. It will balance the interior and exterior temperature and derive moist air outside. However, you must ensure you have installed the rain visors to prevent any rain or snow from coming inside.
- Keep the Interior Dry: Ensure no wet spot in your car since such spots contribute to humidity indoors. For instance, spilling a drink on the seats accidentally is fairly common. If such incidents occur, do not drive your vehicle unless you have cleaned and dried the seats.
- Use Dehumidifiers: Certain materials can absorb excess moisture in the air. A common example is that of cat litter. Put some cat litter in a gunny bag and place it beneath each seat of your Tesla. If the interior becomes humid, it will neutralize it again.
- Keep the Windshield Clean: Dirt and dust particles can provide favorable grounds for water vapors to stick to the windshield. Make sure that the windshield is tidy and flawless.
Cannot Keep Tesla Windshield From Fogging? Try These Emergency Methods
No matter which car you drive, there is always a chance of certain malfunctions. A clogged vent, bad fan, or electrical issues can, for instance, render the defogging system useless. In such a condition, you are compelled to clear the windshield yourself.
Driving on the road, you could be caught in serious trouble if your Tesla defogger does not respond. Here is how you can prepare yourself to deal with the emergency:
- Wiping Off: Keep a dry towel in your car when the temperatures are too low. When it starts fogging on the windshield, simply wipe it off. Nevertheless, you need to make sure that the towel is clean. Using dirty towels can blur the screen; even more, fog may deposit later.
- Extra Fan: You should keep an extra chargeable fan in your car. If you do not have any suitable cloth to wipe off the windshield, you can open up the windows and start blowing the air on the glass to remove the water vapors with the help of fresh, comparatively drier air. But note that since the air will not be warm, it might take longer than using the defogging system.
- Full Blast: If you are not left with many options, you may turn the front vents on at full speed. However, note that it is a not-recommended way of clearing the windshield fog. Since fogs occur when it is too cold, throwing a lot of warm air on the glass can increase its temperature rapidly, risking thermal cracks in it.
Why Does Tesla Windscreen Fog Up?
Fogging of the windshield is the process of condensation. It happens when there is a temperature and humidity difference between the inside and outside of the car. The water vapors inside the car tend to stick to the colder surfaces, forming a layer of droplets that agglomerates over time to thicken and cover a larger area.
Fogging usually occurs in winter. However, summer can also cause it, but from the outside. The car’s interior might be cooler due to air conditioning, while the outside could be very hot and humid, forming a layer of droplets on the windscreen and windows. But it is not a big deal in summer since wipers can easily remove such water droplets.
Read: How to Protect Tesla Windshield?
Concluding Remarks: How to Keep Tesla Windshield From Fogging Up?
Tesla windshields can be prevented from fogging by turning the defogging system on in advance. Using anti-fogging chemicals and dehumidifying the interior also does a good job. But if you cannot keep the windscreen clear, you can always intervene with a wiping towel or an extra blower to help you out. Remember, a clear windshield is a guarantor of an unimpaired line of vision for drivers—never compromise on that.
